Moultrie Observer

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  • From the left is Emily Watson, Archway public health professional; Lynn Wilson, mental health sub-committee chairman; Cathy Owen, support and education working group chairman; Frank Lang, chief of the Moultrie Police Department; Gwendolyn Knighton, Colquitt County E911 supervisor; and Sgt. Rob Rodriguez, of the Moultrie Police Department. Adelia Ladson

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April 10, 2012

Groups help fund crisis training for officers

Staff Reports The Moultrie Observer

MOULTRIE — The Georgia Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Program is a collaboration of professionals committed to assisting persons with mental illnesses and other brain disorders. This collaboration includes local members of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), mental health service providers, family members, and law enforcement officers. The most important aspect of the CIT Program is the training provided to law enforcement officers.

CIT trains law enforcement officers to effectively and humanely interact with persons with mental illness. The CIT course is a 40-hour, five-day curriculum that is approved by the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Council. It is comprised of both classroom instruction and practical exercises delivered by mental health professionals, other subject matter experts and CIT law enforcement instructors.

During the first week of March, the Moultrie Police Department sponsored CIT training in Moultrie, coordinated by Sgt. Rob Rodriguez. Sixteen local and area law enforcement and first responder personnel completed the course. Moultrie Police Chief Frank Lang has made the commitment for one officer and one first responder to be trained as CIT trainers this month in order to facilitate future trainings for additional local personnel.

Significant funding for this initiative is made possible through NAMI GA. Additional financial assistance has come from Nancy Lackey Moses, former Moultrie resident, and her husband Stan of Alpharetta, Ga. Local civic clubs providing funding include Moultrie Federated Guild, Magnolia Civitan Club, Moultrie Junior Woman’s Club, and Rotary Club.

The Archway-Healthy Colquitt Coalition Mental Health Sub-committee was formed in November of 2011 to address mental health needs in Moultrie and Colquitt County. Cathy Owen is chairperson of the support and education working group, which has been instrumental in promoting CIT training.   

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